Homes for the Holidays 2018

Homes for the Holidays has wrapped up for another year!

The three day home tour was held on November 16, 17 & 18 and over 1,600 ticket holders enjoyed a weekend full of holiday splendor viewing exquisite homes seasonally decorated and shopping at our two special holiday stops.

We are delighted to share that after expenses we raised over $143,000! 100% of the funds raised will go towards the palliative and end-of-life programs and services Hospice Care Ottawa provides, at no charge, to those living with a life-limiting illness and their families.

A big thank you to everyone who made the tour possible: the homeowners, florists/decorators, countless volunteers, sponsors, vendors, advertisers, donors and ticket holders. We couldn't have done this without you!

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

336 Minto Place, Rockcliffe Park

Built in the late 1920s, 336 Minto Place underwent a complete reconstruction last year and, respectful of The City of Ottawa’s strict heritage guidelines, was transformed into a luxurious, modern home in Rockcliffe Park. Initially a centre hall, four-bedroom home, with the professional direction and design of Hobin Architects, it now welcomes guests into a grand entrance with floor-to-ceiling windows and the main staircase moved to the front of the house. The sunporch has a new life as a study with full street view, and original garage now a beautiful open porch with stone fireplace overlooking a backyard pool. The lower level, which features a full family room, extra bedroom, and full gym completes the home’s fine reflection of design and function. With the help of 2H Interior Design many elements of the home have been designed with both a modern, busy family and “empty nesters” in mind. Featured in the April 1938 edition of House and Gardens, the original gardens were recreated with personal preferences and include a large spruce ready for the holiday season.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

582 Mariposa Avenue, Rockcliffe Park

Presented by: BMO Wealth Management, Private BankingDecorated by: Karen Grand, Grand Expectations and Scrim’s FloristWelcome to “Wake Robin” nestled in the Old Village of Rockcliffe Park. Built in 1927 and named “The Wake Robin” after the red trillium, this classic three-storey home incorporates historically correct cedar shakes, copper gutters, and accents throughout. The charming and spacious main floor begins with an inviting foyer leading to the main floor principle rooms on a scale suited for formal entertaining. Many details abound from marble floors, coffered ceiling, solid white oak doors and floors, to a spacious state-of-the-art-kitchen any family would appreciate. And as an added delight, there are a few “hidden surprises” waiting to be discovered.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

* Special Holiday Stop *

291 Park Road, Rockcliffe ParkHoliday PopUp Shop & Coffee Stop

Our Holiday PopUp Shop is located at the Official Residence of the Irish Ambassador to Canada in Rockcliffe Park. Get a head-start on your holidayshopping with our wonderful selection of unique gifts and specialty food items. Ticket holder may visit as often as they wish – browse, shop and enjoy complimentary refreshment in at the Coffee Stop from 10 am to 4pm.

201 Clearview Avenue, Wellington West - Island Park

Nestled between the Ottawa River and bustling Westboro, this executive townhouse is part of an enclave of 19 residences designed by Barry Hobin and built by Uniform Development in 1998.

As the visitor moves through this multi-level home, there is a hint of irreverence as the style changes subtly from hints of the Orient on the entry level to relaxed, modern spaces on the bedroom level. The bathrooms are decorated in soothing shades of grey and white. The principal rooms are inspired by an English country home, decorated with antique mahogany pieces and warm toiles. Classic in design, the original kitchen has stood the test of time, and includes a cozy lounging corner. Further interest comes from the owner’s eclectic collection of landscape paintings, all by Canadian artists from Newfoundland to B.C.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

269 Royal Avenue, Westboro

Situated in Westboro Beach, this contemporary family home with its light-filled open spaces, surrounded by mature trees, evokes a sense of serenity and timelessness. Soaring glass windows and ceilings combine with the natural design palette to seamlessly merge the inside and out. The use of warm wood, linen and woolen textiles throughout soften the crisp white walls and clean lines. The minimal furnishings include both mid-century modern and Scandinavian silhouettes while a collection of watercolour paintings provides for subtle splashes of colour. Designed by Ottawa architect John Donkin and built in 2009, updates to this three-level custom home include a fitness studio whose setting seeks to integrate art, architecture, and design. No one detail stands out, with the exception of the views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills enjoyed from the third level.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

27 Oakvale Avenue

It’s all about light in the “Reflex” house - the conceptualization of local architects Plot Non Plot. A central reflector brings light down through all levels of the house. A glass floor light well on the main floor brings in more light while high ceilings, angular walls, and cut-outs play with the daylight as it streams through the large corner window. Entering the living space, the French doors are immediately noticeable - opening up onto a screened front deck that extends the living space for entertaining. The abundant counter space in the raised kitchen is ideal for the budding cook or baker and features walnut veneer cabinets and granite countertops. The back tiered deck, accessible from the kitchen, has ample room for friends and family. Open stairs to the second floor are flanked by a ceramic wall with cut-out niches. A large home office sits atop the garage and has its own balcony and the second floor hall passes over a section of glass floor as it leads to the Juliet balcony.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

3709 Revelstoke Drive

Welcome to the “Courtyard House on the Rideau,” named after the ample centre courtyard that greets visitors as they walk under the pergola and past a majestic maple to the front entrance. Designed and built in 2001 by award-winning architect Christopher Simmonds and Roy Nandram of RND Construction, the exterior exhibits the hallmarks of the Arts and Crafts tradition. Gable roofs float above a continuous band of windows and once inside the home, a charcoal slate hallway leads towards the living spaces with generous views of both the courtyard and the river. This home has a deep connection to nature - the inside and outside blending in gentle harmony. The garden spaces and the rooms are part of a larger continuum that expands, contracts, and changes with the seasons.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

15 Bennington Street

Presented by: La-Z-BoyDecorated by: Trillium Floral DesignsBuilt in 1988 and still home to the original owners, this spacious Centrepointe home was expanded in 2011 and is packed with 30 years of fun stories, and artistic memories of the family’s travels and fishing trips. The original home featured a popular four-bedroom floor plan, but post-renovation, there is now the option of living comfortably on the main floor, surrounded by an eclectic collection of Canadian art, many canvases by local artists. The main level features a gourmet kitchen in warm woods and crisp tiles, a spacious family room filled with Canadian-made furniture and distinctive lighting. A large vibrant painting slides above the stone fireplace to reveal a large flat screen television. This summer, the basement level was completely renovated, creating a grand family room and an apartment for visitors or a caregiver, if needed.

Photography Credit: James Brittain Photography

5801 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick

An eye-catching address marker hints at the careful architectural detailing incorporated into this stunning waterfront bungalow’s recently renovated exterior. The renovations include a 65-foot front porch which extends into the front yard creating a clear and inviting path to the front door. At one end a floating bench bordered by birch trees creates a sheltered sitting area within the front yard and at the other end, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the landscape inside connecting the front foyer to its surroundings. An open concept kitchen and family room, featuring an eclectic collection of Mid-Century Furniture, is filled with natural light and a view of the Rideau River. The reclaimed wide plank hardwood floors provide a rustic grounding to the crisp modernism of the kitchen. The indoor pool is visible through a wall of windows in the games room, featuring retro arcade games and an album art wall, giving a nod to Rock & Roll. A sunken modern library space provides the perfect escape to feed the mind and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine.

Photography Credit: Brian Hum

* Special Holiday Stop *

110 McCurdy Drive, KanataHoliday Bake-Off & Handmade Bazaar

Welcome to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in Kanata. The hospice houses a variety of community programs and in September, 2017 the 12-room residence ‘Hein House’ was opened to provide round the clock end-of-life care. Hein House is a welcoming space surrounded by gardens, water features, and a forest trail. For Homes for the Holidays 2018, we are delighted to open this beautiful facility and host the Holiday Bake-Off and Handmade Bazaar. Guests will be able to vote on their favourite edible creation, enjoy complimentary refreshment and get a head start on holiday shopping with an array of one-of-a-kind items. 100% of sales will go directly to Hospice Care Ottawa.

The May Court Club of Ottawa Sustaining Benefactor

Hospice Care Ottawa Charitable Registration # 11896 3701 RR0001Charitable tax receipts will be issued for donations of $25 or more